UK to deploy jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks

 The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia in response to escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks, the government has said.

The defensive mission will help defend Saudi cities and infrastructure - a move authorised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham - against aerial attacks by the Iran-backed group.

It follows Houthi attacks on the Saudi capital Riyadh, as well as on energy sites on the country's coast.

"These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis," Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in a written statement on Tuesday.

FULL REPORT AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckr5yqe1r1llo